Fall Fruit Salad with Orange Cinnamon Dressing

Fall is often associated with warm, baked desserts — pies, crisps, cakes — but there is another side to autumn cooking that deserves just as much attention: freshness. This Fall Fruit Salad with Orange Cinnamon Dressing is a celebration of balance. It brings together the richness of seasonal fruits with the brightness of citrus and the warmth of spice.

Before we even say the name of the recipe, imagine this: a large bowl on the table, colors glowing like fallen leaves, the scent of orange zest and cinnamon gently rising. This dish refreshes the palate while still feeling undeniably autumnal. It’s light, vibrant, and quietly elegant.

Why This Fruit Salad Is Different

This is not a random mix of fruit tossed together. Every ingredient has a role:

• Apples add crunch
• Pears bring softness
• Grapes add juiciness
• Pomegranate seeds bring brightness
• Citrus dressing ties everything together

The orange cinnamon dressing is subtle, not sugary — enhancing natural flavors rather than masking them.

INGREDIENTS

Fruit Salad

• 2 crisp apples, diced
• 2 ripe pears, diced
• 1 cup red grapes, halved
• 1 cup green grapes, halved
• 1 cup pomegranate arils
• 1 orange, segmented
• ½ cup fresh cranberries, halved (optional)

Orange Cinnamon Dressing

• ¼ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp orange zest
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Wash and thoroughly dry all fruits.
2. Dice apples and pears into bite-sized pieces.
3. Halve grapes and cranberries if using.
4. Segment the orange, removing excess membrane.
5. Combine all fruit in a large mixing bowl.
6. In a small bowl, whisk orange juice, honey, zest, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
7. Pour dressing over fruit.
8. Gently toss until evenly coated.
9. Chill for 20–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Flavor Balance & Texture

This salad works because it hits every note:

• Sweet
• Tart
• Juicy
• Crisp

The cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering the fruit, making it suitable for both dessert and side dish roles.

When to Serve This Salad

• Thanksgiving and holiday dinners
• Brunch spreads
• Light desserts
• Healthy potluck option
• Refreshing contrast to heavy meals

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare fruit up to 6 hours ahead. Add dressing just before serving for maximum freshness.

Customization Ideas

• Add toasted pecans or walnuts
• Mix in sliced figs
• Replace honey with agave
• Add a pinch of nutmeg

Fall Fruit Salad with Orange Cinnamon Dressing

A refreshing autumn fruit salad made with seasonal fruits and tossed in a light orange cinnamon dressing, perfect for holidays and light desserts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 140

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Fruit Salad

• 2 apples diced
• 2 pears diced
• 2 cups grapes halved

Dressing

• 0.25 cup orange juice fresh
• 1 tbsp honey

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Prepare and cut all fruit.
2. Whisk dressing ingredients.
3. Toss fruit with dressing.
4. Chill before serving.

Notes

Best served fresh the same day.